UFC fighter shoots himself cleaning pistol

TORONTO - Veteran UFC fighter Joe (Diesel) Riggs' return to the Octagon has been put on hold after accidentally shooting himself in his Arizona home.

"We were made aware that newly signed UFC competitor Joe Riggs was involved in an unfortunate accident last night," the UFC said in a statement Tuesday. "While cleaning his permitted firearm (a pistol), the gun discharged, injuring his hand and upper thigh. Riggs was transported to a nearby hospital in Arizona where he is being treated by physicians. We wish Joe a speedy recovery."

The 31-year-old Riggs, who last fought in the UFC in 2006, was slated to face welterweight Paulo Thiago on Sept. 13 on a televised card in Brasilia, Brazil.

The UFC said a replacement opponent for Thiago will be announced shortly.

Riggs (28-9-0) made his UFC debut at UFC 49 in August 2004, submitting Canadian Joe Doerksen. His UFC fight card includes a hospital brawl with Nick Diaz after the two fought at UFC 57.